Tech Tips for UltraSonic Cleaning

For best results with UltraSonic Cleaning follow these tips:

  1. UltraSonic Cleaning is faster with fewer parts in a load
  2. Start at the lowest suggested time (see chart below) and add time, if needed, to remove soils.
  3. Light soils can use lower tank temperature. Heavy soils require higher temperature. NEVER exceed 160ºF (71.1ºC).
  4. Always use the lowest temperature for cleaning as high temperatures can cause etching and discoloration of materials.
  5. Most parts can be cleaned with 100% power. Delicate parts, like billet aluminum and soft materials favor 50% ultrasonic power. See chart below.
  6. Etching can be seen on aluminum parts. This is caused by hard water, a too-high tank temperature, too long of a cleaning time or too much ultrasonic power.
  7. Discoloration of parts can happen on aluminum, copper and brass. Causes include: detergent to water ratio is too low, tank temperature is too high and copper/brass additive is required.
  8. Flash Rust appearing on parts. Detergents have rust protection. If you are seeing rust it is most likely caused by the detergent to water ratio being too low and/or the tank temperature is too high.
  9. Chalky Residue is likely caused by detergent to water ratio is too high and/or tank temperature is too high. This can also cause flash drying. To fix, rinse the parts.
  10. Flash Drying leaves a chalky residue or causes rust. This is likely caused by too much detergent and/or too high a tank temperature.
  11. Poor cleaning is caused by hard water, incorrect pH, a low detergent percentage, no agitation, generators not working, tank temperature is too low or the clean time is too short.
 Material Detergent Cleaning
Time
Cleaning
Temperature
Ultrasonic
Power
Aluminum Ultra 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 140º 100%
Billet Aluminum Ultra 2 or 3 1 to 3 mins. 120º to 140º 50%
Polished Aluminum Ultra 2 or 3 1 to 3 mins. 120º to 140º 50%
Cast Aluminum Ultra 1, 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 140º to 160º 100%
Cast Iron Ultra 1, 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 160º 100%
Iron, Wrought Iron Ultra 1, 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 160º 100%
Carbon Steel Ultra 1, 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 160º 100%
Stainless Steel Ultra 1, 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 160º 100%
Tool Steel Ultra 1, 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 160º 100%
Carbide Ultra 1, 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 160º 100%
Tin Ultra 1, 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 160º 100%
Nickel Ultra 1, 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 160º 100%
Zinc Ultra 1, 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 160º 100%
Cobalt Ultra 1, 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 160º 100%
Titanium Ultra 1, 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 160º 100%
Magnesium Ultra 2 or 3 1 to 3 mins. 120º to 140º 50%
Gold Ultra 2 or 3 1 to 3 mins. 120º to 140º 50%
Silver Ultra 2 or 3 1 to 3 mins. 120º to 140º 50%
Copper** Ultra 2 or 3 1 to 3 mins. 120º to 140º 50% to 100%
Brass** Ultra 2 or 3 1 to 3 mins. 120º to 140º 50% to 100%
Plastic Ultra 2 or 3 2 to 15 mins. 120º to 140º 100%

**Requires copper or brass additive.

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